• Learn about the Galapagos sea birds, such as blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins, and why they are considered the most unusual birds in the tropics. 
• Explore the mysteries of marine animals. Discover why whales travel so deeply in the water, why sea lions hold their breath for extended periods of time, and how dolphins communicate so efficiently.
• Hear stories from your experts about Charles Darwin’s acclaimed voyage, as well as some of the colorful, trail blazing settlers who called the Galapagos their home.

Day 1: Miami, Florida
Overnight in Miami, Florida in preparation for the early morning departure for Quito, Ecuador.

Day 2: Quito, Ecuador - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO world cultural heritage site located just a few miles south of the equator. The adventure begins with your first glimpse of Quito's dramatic geographic surroundings. This afternoon explore the ancient colonial center of Quito. See the stone-carved facade of Ecuador’s House of Congress; the Presidential Palace; and the Cathedral. View the ornate façade of the early 17th century church of La Compania (begun in 1605) and its breathtaking gilded altars, which required tons of gold to complete, and are considered the finest examples of baroque art in South America. Visit the equatorial line monument and museum where you cross from one hemisphere into another. Afterwards, enjoy some leisure time in Quito for independent exploration and discovery. This evening meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner. (D)

Day 3: Quito -San Cristobal Island, Galapagos - Embark Ship
This morning fly to San Cristobal Island where Charles Darwin visited in September 1835. Embark on the m/v Santa Cruz, anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Islands. After lunch, attend a welcome session on board to introduce you to your home for the next 7 nights. This afternoon, the ship sails to Sea Lion Island, a small islet whose shores are home to many sea birds, including frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. A sea lion colony introduces you to the most commonly seen mammals in the Galapagos. Attend the naturalists’ briefing on the next day’s activities. Then enjoy the Captain’s welcome reception. prior to your first on-board dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Bartholome Island
Disembark at Bartholome Island for a trek to a spectacular vista. Then, enjoy a panga ride around Colossal Pinnacle Rock; where there is time to snorkel with the Galapagos Penguins or watch the underwater world glide by with a view from a glass bottom boat. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Puerto Egas to view land and marine birds as well as fur seals and sea lions. At low tide see the marine iguanas grazing upon the algae beds. Cap off your evening with some stargazing from the deck. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Darwin Bay - North Seymour Island
An early morning cruise brings you into Darwin Bay. Disembark for an easy stroll to observe hundreds of birds, including: great frigate birds, blue-footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, gulls, herons, finches and more. Snorkel at this beautiful natural harbor, or for the more adventurous, snorkel along the cliffs, looking for hammerhead sharks. An afternoon walk along the coast of North Seymour Island allows you time to discover and observe many bird colonies. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island
Today, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see the famous giant tortoises, an impressive prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Santa Cruz Island alone has eight species of Darwin’s finches! (B, L, D)

Day 7: Isabela Island - Fernandina Island
Cruise into Bolivar Channel where the cool waters have had great impact on the tropical landscape. The cooler water also creates the possibility of seeing dolphins and whales. At Tagus Cove, a protected natural harbor, an uphill walk takes you to Darwin’s salt water crater lake for a superb view. This afternoon brings you to the youngest island, Fernandina, where you can observe penguins as well as flightless cormorants. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Isabela Island - Urbina Bay
This morning, enjoy a remarkable walk to Urbina Bay to look for giant tortoises and land iguanas. Following a volcanic event in 1954, this area was left with gaunt marine skeletons. The afternoon brings you to Punta Moreno to observe unique lava flows and small lagoons with bird life. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Hood Island - Gardner Bay
Your final day in the Galapagos begins with a walk along Gardner Bay, the cleanest white coral beach imaginable. Here you will see sea lions, mockingbirds and finches. Stroll across lava terrain to visit the Bay's unique sea bird colonies, including waved Albatrosses (April-December) and the famous blowhole. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Captain's farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Disembark Ship - San Cristobal Island - Guayaquil
Disembarking at San Cristobal Island, follow the same route as Charles Darwin to Kicker Rock, a small inlet whose cliffs are home to many sea birds. Board your flight for the mainland and the bustling city of Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Quayaquil or fly on to Lima, Peru to begin your optional extension to Machu Picchu. (B, D)

Day 11: Guayaquil - Miami, Florida
This morning enjoy a city sights tour featuring the main avenue of Guayaquil, the heart of the business district, and Centennial Park which honors the heroes of Guayaquil’s independence. Stop at Bolívar Park, with an equestrian statue of South America’s liberator, Simón Bolívar, before driving through the open market of La Bahía, and the Spanish shipyard, now a Naval Museum. Stroll along Guayaquil’s new Malecon 2000, a waterfront area, running parallel to the River Guayas and featuring historical, cultural and entertainment areas. Stop at Guayaquil’s cemetery with outstanding marble sculptures by famous Italian artists and then drive along the newest neighborhoods in the Sanborondón area. Later, transfer to the airport. (B)

Day 12: Miami - Tour Ends
(B)

Ask for additional pre or post night tours.

*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates may be available, please call us for information.

12 days, 26 meals
10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 9 Dinners

Day 1 - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Miami, Florida
Day 2 - Swisshotel, Quito
Day 3 - 9 - m/v Santa Cruz
Day 10 - Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Day 11 - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Miami, Florida

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